High energy rate forming machine



Oct. 29, 1963 J. Kv Mum-1KA 3,108,503v

HIGH ENERGY .RATE FORMING MACHINE Filed oct. 51, 1960 4 sheets-sheet 1M6510 2 44 135134 as ,I um l za 24 3425 .118 18 "En 6 I IM E Z 110 E: o182 [2z `5 r;- L \\}V j N fsf 2f 134 l/ i 14o' v SSE Tj` I'- Q 1 l I 142v- /4 l j y 18s 4 lv 12 192 j a 22% @E 1 fo G I y 4f\s e4 g2 'S26 iff i@"5 4 E: 75 sa 55 70 l: close# K. Maes/q, 90 'f' Q "'55 5' INVENTOR. i:`60

I: 64- BY m T En ya* @jhm 12 oct. 29, 1963 J. K. MUREK' 3,198,503

HIGH ENERGY RATE FORMING MACHINE Filed oct. s1, 1960 4 sheets-sheet 2lllllillullllllllllllllllllllu' lr x n lll l FI@ uuml' @1? Q Q CGSE/rMaes@ INVENTOR,

irme/veeg.:

Qct. 29, 1963 1, K, MUREK 3,108,503

HIGH ENERGYv RATE FORMING MACHINE Filed Oct. 51, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 5,1v/rafa. mx

CQSEPH I5. Make/( INVENTOR.

I BY Oct. 29, 1963 Filed oct. s1, 19Go y J. K. MUREK HIGH ENERGY RATEFORMING MACHINE i I 256 I i ufff-: g 1? l 1? 215 27g/Iff\ 3 Eff/r i i A!4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ilm INVENTOIL dass/r Maen@ rmeusg;

United States Patent O 3,108,5@3 HIGH ENERGY RATE FRMENG MACHlNll .losefK. Marek, Pomona, Calif., assigner to General Dynamics Corporation, SanDiego, Calif., acorporation of Delaware Filed Get. 3l, Het), Ser. No.66,142 2t) Claims. (Cl. 73-42) The present invention relates generallyto forming machines; more particularly, the invention relates to highenergy rate forming or impacting machines wherein a ram is driven tocontract an expansible chamber to compress gas to provide an actuatingpressure and is released for an output stroke energized by the actuatingpressure.

High energy rate impacting and forming machines of the prior art havebeen characterized by certain shortcomings and disadvantages. Themachines have generally lacked versatility of application. They havegenerally been relatively complex and have involved specializedfabrication. Functional or accessory devices and components have beenrequired, such as pneumatic actuators, hydraulic valves, regulators andsolenoid valves. Accumulators or other special devices have beenrequired for the rapid removal of formed workpieces from dies tominimize heat transfer and to rapidly eject formed parts.

A major disadvantages of many such machines is the reduction in eiciencyand in output energy caused by interna-l energy losses, such as theorifice losses of high energy rate actuators which are utilized withsome machines. These losses result from high rate flow of gas or fluidand increase with increases in :actuating pressure.

The present invent-ion provides high energy rate forming machines whichalleviate or eliminate the foregoing and other disadvantages andshortcomings. A ram cooperates with other machine components to definean eX- pansible actuating pressure chamber. rI'he ram is driven tocompress gas in the expansible chamber to produce an actuating pressure.The ram is then rapidly triggered or released, whereupon the actuatingpressure energizes a high velocity output stroke of the ram for highrate application of energy to a workpiece or other obiect. Mechanical,hydraulic or pneumatic means may be provided for the driving orresetting of the ram. In one embodiment, telescoping resetting cylindersare positioned to apply force to the ram. Pressure is introduced intothese teiescoping cylinders to drive and reset the ram. This pressure israpidly relieved to release the ram for its output stroke. In apreferred embodiment, resetting and triggering are effected bypower-driven endless belt means carrying hooks which engage and drivethe ram. The hooks coi-act with the ram to effect rapid triggering ofthe ram after compression of gas in the actuating pressure chamber. Thebelt means are continuously driven by a motor through appropriategearing and other components. v

Machines of the present invention are highly efficient, because the onlyinternal energy losses involved are minor friotional losses involved inthe relative movements of the telescoping cylinders and othercomponents. Efficiency improves with increases in actuating pressure,whereas in prior art machines the internal losses increase with higherframe structure by pressure in a chamber under the bolster.

Machines according to the invention provide a high degree ofversatility. They are capable of functioning as simple drop hammers andas versatile high energy rate forming machines. Accurate and convenientselection of the time or peri-od of a cycle or" machine operation may bemade merely by adjusting the speed of the abovementioned endless beltmeans. The length of the ram output stroke is conveniently controlled bya simple adjustment of the position of the endless belt means relativeyto the ram and the bolster. The movements of the machine components areinherently adapted to rapidly eject formed workpieces from die partswithout requiring special mechanisms for this purpose.

AIt is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a noveland improved impacting or forming machine.

An object of the invention is the provision of a high energy rateforming machine wherein a ram is driven to store energy by compressing agas and is then released t-o utilize the stored` energy for a highvelocity output stroke.

It is an object of the invention to provide a high energy rate formingmachine which provides improved efficiency and increased output energyby minimizing internal energy losses.

An object of this invention is to provide a versatile high energy rateforming machine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a forming machinecapable of functioning either as a drop hammer or as a versatile highenergy rate forming machine.

An object of this invention is the provision of a high energy rateforming machine the operating cycle time of which is convenientlygovernable.

It is an object of the invention to provide a high energy rate formingmachine wherein the length of a ram output stroke is convenientlyadjustable.

An object of this invention is the provision of an impacting or for-mingmachine capable of energy transmission to a workpiece at a highcontrolled rate.

It is an object of the invention to provide a high energy rate formingmachine which minimizes the transmission of impact loading to afoundation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a high energy rateforming machine of simplified and economical construction.

It is an object of the invention to provide a high energy rrate formingmachine which is inherently adapted for the rapid ejection of formedworkpieces.

Other objects, features and :advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those versed in the art from a consideration of thefollowing description, the appended claims and the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, showing apreferred embodiment of :the forming machine of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a partial plan View, partially in section, of the formingmachine of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing a hook andassociated elements utilized with the forming machine of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view show ing the hook andcertain other elements shown in FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the hook :andelements of FIGURE 4;

vFIGURE. 6 is an elevational View similar to the view of FIGURE, 1,showing the machine' of FIGURE 1 with its components in differentpositions during a cycle of operation of the machine;

FIGURE 7 iis a partial elevational view, partially in 3 section of amodified embodiment of the forming machine of the present invention;

yFIGURE 8 is an elevational View, partially in section of anotherpreferred embodiment of the forming machine of the present invention;and

FIGURE 9 is an elevational view similar to the view of FIGURE 8, showingthe forming machine of FIG- URE 8 with its components in differentpositions during a cycle operation of the machine.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG- URES 1, 2 and 3,there is shown a preferred embodiment of the high energy rate formingmachine of the present invention. Two identical vertical supports 10 arewelded to a base plate 12 which is secured to a foundation 14 by bolts16. Each of the supports 10 includes a vertical mounting plate 18 towhich are welded a plurality of vertical gussets 20 which extendperpendicularly from the mounting plate 18, as shown in FIGURE 2, andwhich are welded to the base plate 12. A plurality of horizontal ribs 22are Welded to and extend from the mounting plate 18 to providestructural reinforcement.

A connecting plate 24 is secured by screws to the upper portions of theouter gussets 20 and extends between the gussets. Another connectingplate 28 is welded between the upper portions of the mounting plates 118at the rear of the machine. Secured to mounting plate 18 by bolts (notshown) are eight bearing blocks 32. A sleeve bearing 34 is secured ineach of the bearing blocks to provide four pairs of vertically alignedbearings.

Four guide rods 36 are slidable in the bearings 34. To form a unitaryframe structure, the guide rods are secured to an end plate 3S by nuts40, clamping nuts 42 and split lock rings `44, the latter being disposedin recesses in the end plate and fitting in grooves 46 in the rods, asshown in lFIGURE 1. The guide rods have threaded lower end portions 48secured in appropriate openings in a bolster t), thereby forming arigidly interconnected bolster and frame assembly 52.

Secured by screws 54 to the lower surface of the bolster is a capelement 56 to which a cylindrical housing or shell 58 is threadedlysecured. An annular wall portion 60 of the shell extends inwardly, asshown.

A mounting ring 62 is secured by bolts 64 to the base plate 12. Astationary locating column 66 is secured in a threaded axial opening 68of the mounting ring. An upper threaded end portion of the locatingcolumn is secured in an axial opening 70 of a stationary locating piston72 positioned within the cylindrical shell 58.

A locating pressure chamber 74 is defined above the stationary piston 72and is connected with a source of locating pressure (not shown) by apassage 76 in the cap element and a fluid coupling 78. -A positioningpressure chamber =80 is defined below the piston 72 and is connectedwith a source of positioning pressure (not shown) by a passage 82 in thelocating column and a fluid coupling 84. Pressure sealing for thechambers is provided by a resilient sealing ring 86 between thecylindrical housing or shell 58 and the cap element 56, by a sealingring 88 in a groove in the annular wall portion 60 about the locatingcolumn, and by a sealing ring 90 in a peripheral groove of the loactingpiston.

An ejector shaft 92 extends through an axial bore 94 in the bolster andhas its end portion 96 threadedly secured 4in an opening in the threadedend portion of the locating column 66. The ejector shaft is slidablyreceived by an annular bearing 98 secured in an enlarged bore of anaxial opening 100` of the cap element. An adapter rod 102 rests on theupper end of the ejector shaft and extends through a reduced portion1104 of the bolster bore 94.

A die part 106 is secured by bolts 10'8 to the upper surface 110 of thebolter. A die cavity 112 and an axial bore 114 in die part 106 arealigned with the bolster bore portion 104.

A cup element 116 is secured by screws 118 in a centrai position on theend plate 38. Secured to a reduced threaded portion of the cup elementis an inner actuator cylinder 120i An outer actuator cylinder or ramcylinder 122 is in telescoping relation with the inner cylinder 120 andhas an inwardly extending portion 124 slidable on the inner cylinder. Aram 126 is secured to the outer cylinder by engagement of its threadedopening 128 with a lower end portion of the cylinder.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that the framestructure including the rend plate 38 and the guide rods 36 combineswith the bolster to form an integral bolster and frame assembly 452,which is slidably mounted relative to the supports 1) and thefoundation.

The ram and the outer actuator cylinder 122 constitute ram means whichcooperate with the inner cylinder and the cup element 116 to define anactuating pressure chamber 139. Pressure sealing for this chamber isprovided by a resilient sealing ring 132 disposed in an appropriategroove in the outer cylinder and by similar sealing elements 134 in agroove in the cup element adjacent to the inner cylinder, and in agroove in the outer cylinder 122 adjacent to the ram 126. The chamber:is connected with a source of actuating pressure (not shown) by apassage 136 in the cup member and by a fluid coupling 138.

Secured in an arcuate recess in each corner of the rectangular nam 126is an arcuate bearing element 140, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. A flangeportion of each bearing element engages a groove in one of the recesses.Each bearing slidably engages a guide rod 36. A male die part or punch142 is secured by bolts to the lower surface of the ram.

Four mounting blocks 144 are secured by bolts 146 to the supports 10,two mounting blocks being secured to reach support in the positionsshown in FIGURES 1 and 2. An axle 148 is journaled in bearing portions150, 152, 154 and 156 of each mounting block. A sprocket wheel 158 ismounted on the axle 148 of each of the upper mounting blocks and isadjacent to the bearing portion 156. An endless sprocket chain belt 160is entrained on each sprocket wheel 158 of the upper axle `148 and on asprocket wheel 162 mounted on a shaft i164 with a gear 166. An endlesssprocket chain belt 168 is entrained on the sprocket wheel 158 on theleft axle 148 and on a sprocket wheel 170 mounted on a drive shaftportion 172. The drive shaft carries a gear 174 which meshes with thegear 166, as shown.

Power to drive the endless chain belts 168, 168 is applied throughtransmission means including a gear box 176, a clutch 178. The power isfurnished by an electric motor 186 and a flywheel 182.

A pair of sprocket wheels 184, `186 are mounted on each of the upperaxles 148 between bearing portions 150 and 152. A pair of endless chainbelts 188, 190 are entrained on cooperating sets of upper and lowersprocket wheels 184, 186 with the inner runs of the chain belts adjacentto the ram 126. To provide lateral support for the chain belts, asupport plate 192 is welded in a vertical position between bearingportions `150 and 152 of the two mounting blocks on each support frame10.

A hook 194 is secured between the adjacent chain belts 188, 190 on eachside of the ram. As shown in FIG- URES 3, 4 and 5, the hook is pivotallymounted on a rod 196 and is supported on a similar rod 198, these rodsextending laterally between the chain belts 188 and 190. Each hook 194has a rounded triangular end portion 200.

From the foregoing description and from the drawings, it will beunderstood that the endless chain belts 188, 19t) and the hooks 194thereon are power-driven in opposite rotational directions at the samespeed by the motor through the above-described transmission system. Thehooks move upward on the inner runs of the endless belts in positionswherein they are engageable with the ram 126 in the manner indicated inFIGURE 3.

Referring to FIGURES l and 3, there are defined in each side of the ramadjacent to the endless chain belts a recess 202 and a bore 204. Therecess has an inclined surface 2&6 which cooperates with the bore wallto dene a rounded triangular edge portion 208, which is positioned andadapted to coact with the end portion Zilli of the hook 194 in a mannerwhich is hereinafter described. A plunger 21) is slidable in each of thebores 204 and is positioned to receive the rst contact of a moving hookas it moves upward to engage the ram. A helical spring 2l2 is retainedin the bore by an adjustment screw 2M and exerts a biasing force on theplunger normally urging the plunger against a shoulder 2te.

To prepare the forming machine of FIGURES l through 5 for operation,quantities of gas under appropriate pressures are introduced into theactuating pressure chamber 139, the locating pressure chamber 74 and thepositioning pressure chamber 8h. After these quantities of gas areestablished in the chambers, they are maintained therein without changeduring repeated cycles of operation of the machine. A gas underappropriate pressure is introduced into the actuating pressure chamberi3d through the coupling 13S and the passage 136. This is preferablydone with the ram in the position shown in FIGURE 6. When the ram 126 isin the upward position shown in FIGURE l, the gas in the chamber iscompressed to provide an actuating pressure. A locating pressure isintroduced into the chamber '74 through the passage 76 and the coupling78. The pressure supports the bolster and frame assembly S2. Apositioning pressure is established in the chamber Si) through thepassage 82 in the locating column 66 and through the coupling Thispressure acts on the annular wall area oil to urge the bolster and frameassembly downwardly and to restrain its upward movement toward the ram.The locating pressure in chamber 7d and the positioning pressure inchamber 80 cooperate to urgethe bolster and frame assembly into andmaintain it in a proper normal position relative to the ram 126, asshown in FIGURE 1. The two pressures and the respective areas upon whichthey act are so established that the locating pressure supports theweight of the bolster and frame assembly 52 and in addition balances theopposite force of the positioning pressure on the annular wall portion6i?.

The operating cycle of the machine is described hereinafter and includesthe driving of the ram to contract the actuating pressure chamber toprovide an actuating pressure, and the rapid release of the ram for anoutput stroke against an object on the bolster, the output stroke beingenergized by the actuating pressure.

In the operation of the machine, the motor 18) continuously transmitspower through the flywheel 1132 and the gears 166, 174 to the endlesschain belts 16d, 168. The hooks continuously move with the endless beltsand first engage the ram when it is in the position shown in FlGURE 6.The initial impact of the hooks on the ram is absorbed by the plungersZlltl andthe springs 212, shown in detail in FIGURE 3, which reduceshock and prevent damage to the hooks and to the ram edge portions 20S.Force for driving the ram is applied by the hooks to the edge portions20S of the ram. The continuous movement of the hooks with the endlessbelts drives the ram upward to contract the actuating pressure chamber13), thereby compressing the gas therein to provide an actuatingpressure. The ram is thus reset or recocked.

After the driving or resetting of the ram to establish the actuatingpressure, the hooks 194 coact with the ram to rapidly release the ramfor a downward output stroke energized by the actuating pressure. FIGURE3 shows a hook l94 immediately prior to its disengagement from the ram.The continuous movement of the endless chain belts E33, 19) and therotary movement of the hooks 194 about the sprocket wheels 184 move thehook from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown inphantom outline in FlGURE 3. The rotary hook movement, the springpressure on plungers 216 and the actuating pressure in chamber 136ieffect a very rapid disengagement of the rounded triangular end portions290 of the hooks from the rounded triangular edge portions 208 of theram. The hook end portions then slide freely along the inclined surfaces296 to the position indicated in phantom outline in FIGURE 3.

The disengagement of the hooks permits the energy stored by thecompression of the gas in the actuating pressure chamber to be impartedto the ram to energize its downward output stroke. The male die part 142on the ram impacts a workpiece positioned on the die part lilo on thebolster Sil. Immediately following its output stroke, the ram ispositioned as shown in solid lines in FIGURE 6.

In reaction to the high velocity downward output stroke of the ram, thebolster and frame assembly 52 moves upwardly toward the ram a relativelyshort distance to the position shown in solid lines in FIGURE 6. Then,the bolster and frame assembly 52 moves downwardly away from the ram tothe position shown in phantom outline in FIGURE 6. This downwardmovement is caused partly by the impact of the ram on the bolster and toa greater extent by the action of the gas in the positioning pressurechamber Sil, which was compressed to a pressure greater than its normalpositioning pressure by the above-described upward bolster movementtoward the ram. Thus, the bolster is urged downwardly toward its normalposition, shown in FIGURE l, by the expansion of the gas which wascompressed in the positioning pressure chamber by the upward bolstermovement.

Impact loading of the foundation is reduced by the pressure in thelocating pressure chamber Sil, which serves as a shock absorber.

The stationary ejector shaft i2 and adaptor rod li, which extend throughthe bolster, eject a formed workpiece or part 31% from the die part 166upon the downward movement of the bolster to the position shown inphantom outline in FIGURE 6. The formed part is ejected into the openspace which is provided by the upward ram movement and the downwardbolster movement. The part may therefore be readily grasped manually orautomatically.

Any oscillation of the bolster and frame assembly 52 which might occurafter the impact of the ram would have no adverse effect on the formedpart SES, because there can be no second impact on the formed part, thisbeing precluded by the above-described downward bolster movement.

During the foregoing movements of the bolster and frame assembly 52, thecontinuously moving hooks engage the ram and move it upward to theposition lshown in phantom outline in FIGURE 6. The ram is then drivenby the hooks to contract the actuating pressure chamber and compress thegas therein to re-establish the actuating pressure. A cycle of operationof the machine is thereby completed and the machine is prepared for arepeat cycle.

During the driving of the ram to establish the actuating pressure oneach cycle lof operation, the pressure in the positioning pressurechamber Si? exerts a continuous downward force on the annular wallportion 69 which prevents the bolster and frame assembly 52 from beinglifted by the force of the increasing pressure in the actuating pressurechamber 13d. Proper compression in the chamber l@ is thereby effected.The positioning pressure force on annular wall portion 6d is greaterthan the actuating pressure force on the area of cup member lr6 in theactuating pressure chamber. Therefore the increased pressure in theactuating pressure chamber 36 produced by the resetting of the ramcannot exert suflicient force to lift the bolster and frame assembly.

It will be readily appreciated that the time period for a cycle ofoperation of the machine may readily be adjusted by regulating the speedof the endless chain belts, 4by governing the speed of the motor 18d, bychanging gear ratios, or by other apropriate means.

The length of the output stroke of the ram is readily adjustable bylowering or raising the endless belts by repositioning the mountingblocks 144. A relatively short ram stroke obviously results in theworkpiece being impacted with greater energy, because there is lessexpansion of the gas in the actuating pressure chamber.

In addition to operating in the foregoing manner, the forming machine ofFIGURE l is capable of operation as a simple drop hammer. For suchoperation, the endless chain belts and the hooks thereon operate in theabovedescribed manner to lift or drive the ram to the position shown inFIGURE 1. The hooks .134 then coact with the ram in the mannerhereinbefore described to rapidly release the ram for a downward strokeor drop against the workpiece to be formed.

yThe time period of a cycle of operation may be governed -by controllingthe rotational speed of the endless belts.

-FIGURE 7 illustrates a modified form of the machine f FIGURES l through5. It differs therefrom primarily in that the sprocket wheels and theendless chain belts are mounted on shafts 213 journa'led on mountingbrackets 220 secured to each side of the bolster by bol-ts 222. A railportion 224 of each bracket is slidably positioned against the adjacentmounting plate IS of a support l0. The machine of FIGURE 7 also differsfrom that of FIGURE l in that no positioning pressure chamber isutilized. A modified cylindrical shell 226 has no lower wall and is opento the atmosphere, as shown.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 7 differs from thathereinbefore described in that the driving force exerted by the hooksI94 on the ram is eX- erated oppositely on the bolster through thebrackets 220. The force of the hooks on the ram is therefore reacted onthe bolster. The ram is therefore moved effectively relative to thebolster with no lifting of the bolster by the increasing pressure in theactuating pressure chamber 130 during the driving of the ram. Nopositioning pressure chamber is required to prevent such lifting of thebolster and frame assembly. Adjustment of the length of the ram outputstroke is readily accomplished by changing the position of the brackets220 on the bolster S0.

FIGURES 8 and 9 illustrate another preferred ernbodiment of the presentinvention, which differs from those hereinbefore described primarily inthat pressure actuated telescoping cylinders are utilized for driving orresetting the ram and compressing the gas in the actuating pressurechamber.

A frame and bolster assembly 228 includes `an end plate 230 and abolster 232 which are rigidly interconnected by four guide rods 234. Theguide rods extend through appropriate openings in the end plate and aresecured thereto by bolt heads 236 and by split lock rings 238 which aredisposed in recesses in the end plate and t in annular grooves in therods, as shown. Threaded lower end portions of the guide rods aresecured in appropriate openings 240 in the bolster. A cylindricalhousing shell 242 is secured to the lower surface of the bolster bybolts 244. A stationary locating piston 246 is disposed within thecylindrical shell and is secured to a stationary locating column 248mounted on a base member 250. The base member is secured to a fundation252 by bolts 254.

A locating pressure chamber 256 is defined by the piston, the bolsterand the cylindrical shell. Pressure sealing is provided by a resilientsealing ring 253 in a groove in the cylindrical shell adjacent to thebolster and by a resilient sealing ring 266 in a peripheral groove ofthe piston. The pressure chamber is connected with `a source of locatingpressure (not shown) yby a fluid coupling 262, a passage 264 in the basemember 250, and a passage 266 in the locating column and piston.

A die part 263 is secured to the upper surface of the bolster by bolts276 which extend through its tlange portion. A die cavity or recess 272is defined in the die and '8 a workpiece 274 is positioned atop the diepreparatory to being formed.

An inner actuator cylinder 276 is secured to the lower surface of endplate 236 by bolts which extend through a Klange portion of thecylinder. An outer telescoping actuator cylinder 278 is slidablypositioned about the inner cylinder and is integral with a ram 280.

An actuating pressure chamber 232 is defined by the inner cylinder, theend plate, the outer cylinder and the ram. Pressure sealing for thechamber is provided by a resilient sealing ring 284 in an appropriategroove in the inner cylinder adjacent to the end plate, and by aresilient sealing ring 236 in a groove in the outer cylinder adjacent tothe inner cylinder.

To slidably accommodate the guide rods 234, bores 288 are defined nearthe corners of the ram. Sleeve bearings 29? are secured therein by theirretaining ilange portions 292 which engage shoulders 294 within thebores. A male die part 296 is secured to the lower surface of the ram.

Outer resetting cylinders 306 are secured to the lower surface of theram by bolts 302 and are axially disposed about the respective guiderods 234, as shown. Inner resetting cylinders 364 of smaller diameterare secured by bolts 306 to the upper surface of the bolster. Each innerresetting cylinder is axially disposed about a guide rod and has anoutwardly extending flange portion 308 which is positioned within anouter resetting cylinder and which is enga-geable with an inwardlyextending flange portion 310 of the outer cylinder. Resetting pressurechambers 312 are defined within the respective resetting cylinders, andpressure sealing for the chambers is provided by appropriatelypositioned seal rings, as shown. Each of the resetting pressure chambersis connected with a source of resetting pressure (not shown) by a largepassage 314 in the bolster and by `fluid coupling 316.

The operation of the machine shown in `FIGURES 8 and 9 differs from thatof the embodiments hereinbefore described in that the telescopingresetting cylinders 360, 304 are utilized to reset or drive the ram tocompress the gas in the actuating pressure chamber 282. An appropriateresetting pressure is introduced through passages 314 in the bolster andthrough fluid couplings 316 into the resetting pressure chambers 312within the respective sets of telescoping cylinders. The resettingpressure exerts a driving force on ,the ram to contract the actuatingpressure and compress the gas in the actuating pressure chamber.

After the resetting of the ram and the establishing of the actuatingpressure, release or triggering of the ram is effected by rapidlyreleasing the pressure in the resetting pressure chambers 312 throughthe passages 314 and the couplings 316 by means of appropriate valves(not shown).

The resetting pressure acts on the ram areas within the resettingchambers to drive the ram, and resetting pressure acts oppositely on thebolster areas within the chambers. The ram is therefore moved relativeto the bolter so that the increasing pressure in the actuating pressurechamber does not lift the bolster.

In other respects, the operation of the machine of FIGURES 8 and 9 isgenerally similar to that hereinbefore described in relation to theforming machine shown in FIGURE 7.

From the foregoing description, these versed in the art will appreciatethat the present invention achieves the objects and realizes theadvantages hereinbefore mentioned.

Although specic embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described herein, it will be understood that the sameare merely exemplary of presently preferred embodiments capable ofattaining the objects and advantages hereinbefore mentioned, and thatthe invention is not limited thereto; variations will be readilyapparent to those versed in the art, and the invention is to be givenits broadest interpretation within the terms of the appended claims.

The inventor claims:

1. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected tothe first cylinder, abolster connected with the second cylinder, the ram and the bolsterbeing mounted for movement relative to each other, means supporting saidbolster on a foundation for vertical movement relative thereto, meansfor moving the telescoping cylinders relative to each other to compressa gas in the actuating pressure chamber to provide an actuatingpressure, and triggering means for rapidly releasing the cylinders forrelative movement under the action of the actuating pressure, wherebythe ram and the bolster move toward each other to impact an objecttherebetween.

2. A forming machine comprising telescoping first and second cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster confronting the ram, a frame structure interconnecting thebolster and the end of the second cylinder opposite from the ram, meanssupporting said bolster and frame structure on a foundation for verticalmovement relative thereto, means for moving the ram means in a directionto compress a gas in said actuating pressure chamber, and means forholding the ram and for rapidly releasing the ram for an output stroketoward the bolster energized by the actuating pressure, the bolstermoving toward the ram in reaction to said ram output stroke, whereby anobject is impacted between the ram and the bolster.

3. A forming machine comprising telescoping first and second cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure cham er, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster, a frame structure including guide rods interconnecting thebolter and the end of the second cylinder opposite from the ram toprovide an integral bolster and frame assembly, said ram being slidableon the guide rods, means supporting said bolster and frame assembly forvertical movement relative to a foundation, and means for driving theram to compress a gas in the actuating pressure chamber and for rapidlyreleasing the ram after the compression, whereby the ram is triggeredforvan output stroke energized by the actuating pressure, the bolstermoving toward the ram in reaction to the ram output stroke, whereby anobject is impacted between the ram and the bolster.

4. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber containing a gas,- a ram connected to thefirst cylinder, a bolster connected with the second cylinder, the ramand the bolster being mounted for movement relative to each other, meanssupporting said bolster on a foundation for vertical movement relativethereto, means defining an expansible resetting pressure chamberconnected with the ram means, means for introducing a resetting pressureinto said resetting chamber to drive the ram in a direction to contractthe actuating pressure chamber and to compress the gas therein toprovide an actuatingtprcssure, and means for rapidly relieving theresetting pressure from the resetting chamber to trigger the ram for anoutput stroke against an'object to be formed, whereby the compressionprovides an actuating pressure and the ram is triggered for an outputstroke energized by the actuating pressure.

5. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster connected with the second cylinder, the ram and the bolsterbeing mounted for movement relative to each other, means for moving saidtelescoping cylinders relative to each other to compress a gas in theactuating pressure chamber to provide an actuating pressure, triggeringmeans for suddenly releasing the cylinders for relative movement underthe action of the actuating pressure, whereby the ram and the bolstermove toward each other to impact an object therebetween, and meansdefining a positioning pressure chamber containing a gas under pressurenormally restraining movement of the bolster toward the ram, whereby thegas in the positioning pressure chamber is compressed upon said movementof the bolster toward the ram and expands thereafter to urge the bolstertoward its normal position.

6. A forming machine comprising telescoping first and second cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster confronting the ram, a frame structure interconnecting thebolster and the end of the second cylinder opposite from the ram, meansfor moving the ram means in a direction to compress a gas in theactuating pressure chamber, means for holding and for rapidly releasingthe ram for an output stroke toward the bolster energized by theactuating pressure, the bolster moving toward the ram in reaction tosaid ram output stroke, whereby an object is impacted between the ramand the bolster, and means including a stationary piston defining apositioning pressure chamber containing a gas under pressure normallyrestraining movement of the bolster toward the ram, wherby said gas inthe positioning pressure chamber is compressed upon said movement of thebolster toward the ram and expands thereafter to urge the bolster meanstoward its normal position.

7. A forming machine comprising telescoping first and second cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure charnber, a ram connected to the rst cylinder, abolster, a frame structure including guide rods interconnecting thebolster and the end of the second cylinder opposite from the ram toprovide an integral bolster and frame assembly, the ram being slidableon said guide rods, means supporting said bolster and frame assembly forvertical movement relative to a foundation, means for driving the ram tocompress a gas in the actuating pressure chamber and for rapidlyreleasing the ram after the compression, whereby the ram is triggeredfor a downward output stroke energized by the actuating pressure, saidbolster moving upward toward the ram means in reaction to said ramoutput stroke, whereby an object is impacted between the ram and thebolster, means including a stationary piston defining a locatingpressure chamber below the bolster containing a locating pressure tosupport said bolster and frame assembly and to reduce the transmissionof impact loading to'a foundation, and means including said stationarypiston defining a positioning pressure chamber containing a gas under apositioning pressure normally urging the bolster downwardly, whereby thegas in the positioning pressure chamber is compressed upon said movementof the bolster toward the ram and expands thereafter to urge the bolstermeans toward its normal position.

8. An impacting machine comprising ram cylinder means, means including atelescoping cylinder cooperating with the ram cylinder means to definean expansible actuating pressure chamber, and means for moving the ramcylinder means to compress a gas in the actuating pressure chamber andfor releasing the ram cylinder means after the compression, whereby thecompression provides an actuating pressure and the ram cylinder means istriggered for an output stroke energized by the actuating pressure,bolster means confronting the ram cylinder means and mounted formovement relative thereto, whereby a workpiece disposed on the bolsterreceives a forming impact from the ram cylinder means, the bolster meansmoving in a direction away from the ram cylinder means after saidimpact, and stationary ejection means to eject the formed workpiece uponsaid bolster mean movement away from the ram cylinder means.

9. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster connected with the second cylinder and carrying a workpiece tobe formed, the ram and the bolster being mounted for movement relativeto each other, means for moving said telescoping cylinders relative toeach other to compress a gas in the actuating pressure chamber toprovide an actuating pressure, and triggering means for suddenlyreleasing the cylinders for relative movement under the action of theactuating pressure, whereby the ram and the bolster move toward eachother to impact said workpiece therebetween, means defining apositioning pressure chamber containing a gas under pressure normallyrestraining movement of the bolster toward the ram, whereby the gas inthe positioning pressure chamber is compressed upon said movement of thebolster means toward the ram, the bolster being moved in a directionaway from the ram by said impact and by expansion of said compressed gasin the positioning pressure chamber, and stationary ejection meansextending through the bolster to eject the formed workpiece upon saidbolster movement away from the ram.

10. A forming machine comprising telescoping first and second cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster carrying die means, a frame structure including guide rodsinterconnecting the bolster and the end of the second cylinder oppositefrom the ram to provide an integral bolster and frame assembly, the rambeing slidable on said guide rods, means supporting said bolster andframe assembly for vertical movement relative to a foundation, means fordriving the ram to compress a gas in the actuating pressure chamber andfor rapidly releasing the ram after the compression, whereby the ram istriggered for a downward output stroke energized by the actuatingpressure, said bolster moving upward toward the ram means in reaction tosaid ram output stroke, whereby a workpiece is impacted between the ramand the bolster, means including a stationary piston defining apositioning pressure chamber containing a gas under a positioningpressure normally urging the bolster downwardly, the gas in thepositioning pressure chamber being compressed upon said movement of thebolster toward the ram, the bolster being moved downwardly by the impactof the ram and by expansion of said compressed gas in the positioningpressure chamber, stationary ejection means connected with saidstationary piston and extending through the bolster to engage and toeject the formed workpiece upon said downward movement of the bolster,and means including said stationary piston dening a locating pressurechamber below the bolster containing a locating pressure to support saidbolster and frame assembly and to reduce the transmission of impactloading to a foundation.

11. An automatic drop hammer comprising first and second telescopingcylinders, a ram connected to the first cylinder, a bolster connectedwith the second cylinder, the

' ram and the bolster being mounted for vertical movement relative toeach other, power driven endless belt means, and hook means carried bythe endless belt means to engage the ram and move the ram in an upwarddirection, said hook means being adapted to coact with the ram torelease the ram rapidly and automatically after said upward movement fora downward output stroke against an object to be former, the length ofthe ram output stroke being governed by the positioning of the endlessmeans relative to a foundation, whereby the endless means raises the rammeans and the engaging means then automatically trigger the ram means,and whereby the time period of a cycle of operation is controlled bygoverning the speed of the power driven endless means.

12. An automatic drop hammer comprising first and second telescopingcylinders, a ram connected to the rst cylinder, a bolster connected withthe second cylinder, the ram and the bolster being mounted for verticalmovement relative to each other, power driven endless belt means, hookmeans carried by the endless belt means, said hook means having arounded triangular end portion engageable with a rounded triangular edgeportion of the ram for exerting force on the ram to move the ram upward,said hook end portion being Adisengaged from said ram edge portion bycontinuous movement of the endless belt means, whereby the ram israpidly and automatically released for a downward output stroke, wherebyendless means raises the ram means and the engaging means thenautomatically trigger the ram means, and whereby the time period of acycle of operation is controlled by governing the speed of the powerdriven endless means.

13. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a rarn connected to the `first cylinder, abolster connected with the second cylinder, the ram and the bolsterbeing mounted for movement relative to each other, power driven endlessbelt means, and hook means carried by the endless belt means to engagethe ram and drive the ram in a direction to compress gas within saidactuating pressure chamber to provide an actuating pressure, said hookmeans coacting with the ram to release the ram rapidly and automaticallyafter said compression for an outptut stroke against an object to beformed, the length of the ram output stroke being governed by thepositioning of the endless belt means relative to a foundation, wherebysaid compression provides an actuating pressure which energizes theoutput stroke of the ram, and whereby the time period of a cycle ofcompression and output stroke is controlled by governing the speed ofthe power driven endless means.

14. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the first cylinder, abolster connected with the second cylinder, the ram and the bolsterbeing mounted for movement relative to each other, means supporting saidbolster on a foundation for vertical movement relative thereto, powerdriven endless belt means ycarried by the bolster, and hook meanscarried by the endless belt means to engage the ram and exert forcethereon in a direction to compress gas within said actuating pressurechamber to provide an actuating pressure, said force of the hook meanson the ram being reacted on the bolster, whereby the ram is movedrelative to the bolster for said compression, said hook means coactingwith the ram to release the ram rapidly and automatically after saidcompression for an output stroke against an object to be formed, thelength of the ram output stroke being governed by the positioning of theendless belt means on the bolster, whereby said compression provides anactuating pressure which energizes the output stroke of the ram, andwhereby the time period of a cycle of compression and output stroke iscontrolled by governing the speed of the power driven endless means.

15. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperatin-g with the telescoping cylinders to define anexpansible actuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the firstcylinder, a bolster confronting the ram and connected with the secondcylinder, the rarn and the bolster being mounted for movement relativeto each other, power driven endless belt means entrained on wheel means,and hook means carried by the endless belt means, said hook means havinga rounded triangular end portion engageable with a rounded triangularedge portion of the ram for exerting force on the ram to drive the ramin a direction to compress gas in the actuating pressure chamber, saidhook end portion being disengaged from said ram edge portion bycontinuous movement of the endless belt means, whereby the ram israpidly released for an output stroke, the length of the ram outputstroke being governed by the positioning of the endless means relativeto a foundation, whereby the compression provides an actuating pressurewhich energizes the output stroke of the ram, and whereby the timeperiod of a compression and output stroke cycle is controlled bygoverning the speed of the power driven endless means.

16. A forming machine comprising first and second telescoping cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the iirst cylinder, abolster connected with the second cylinder, the ram and the boster beingmounted for movement relative to each other, means supporting saidbolster on a foundation for vertical movement relative thereto, powerdriven endless belt means carried by the bolster, and hook means carriedby the endless belt means, said hook means having a rounded triangularend portion engageable with a rounded triangular edge portion of the ramfor exerting force on the ram to drive the ram in a direction tocompress gas in the actuating pressure chamber, the force of the hookmeans on the ram being reacted on the bolster, whereby the ram is movedrelative to the bolster for said compression, said hook end portionbeing disengaged from said ram edge portion by continuous movement ofthe endless belt means, whereby the ram is rapidly released ror anoutput stroke, whereby the compression provides an actuating pressurewhich energizes the output stroke of the ram, and whereby the timeperiod of a compression and output stroke cycle is controlled bygoverning the speed of the power driven endless means.

17. A forming machine comprising telescoping first and second cylinders,means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define an expansibleactuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the tirst cylinder, abolster confronting the ram, a frame structure interconnecting thebolster and the end of the second cylinder opposite from the ram, powerdriven endless means, and engaging means carried by the endless means toengage the ram means and drive the ram means in a direction to compressgas within the actuating pressure chamber and provide an actuatingpressure, said engaging means coacting with the ram means to release theram means rapidly and automatically after said compression for an outputstroke against an object to be formed, the bolster moving toward the ramin reaction to said ram output stroke, whereby an object is impactedbetween the ram and the bolster, and means including a stationary pistondeiining a positioning pressure chamber containing a gas under pressurenormally restraining movement or the bolster toward the ram, wherebysaid gas in the positioning pressure chamber is compressed upon saidmovement of the bolster toward the ram and expands thereafter to urgethe bolster means toward its normal position.

18. An impacting machine comprising telescoping lirst and secondcylinders, means cooperating with the telesooping cylinders to detine anexpansible actuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the firstcylinder, a bolster, a frame structure including guide rodsinterconnecting the bolster and the end of the second cylinder oppositefrom the ram to provide an integral bolster and trarne assembly, the rambeing slidable on said guide rods, means supporting said bolster andframe assembly for vertical movement relative to a foundation, powerdriven endless belt means entrained on wheel means, hook means carriedby the endless belt means to engage the ram and drive the ram in adirection to compress gas within said actuating pressure chamber toprovide an actuating pressure, said lhook means coacting with the ram torelease the ram rapidly and automatically after said compression for adownward output stroke against an object to be formed, the length or"the ram output stroke being governed by the positioning of the endlessmeans relative to a foundation, said bolster moving upward toward theram means in reaction to said ram output stroke, whereby an object isimpacted between the ram and 4the bolster, means including a stationarypiston defining a locating pressure chamber below the bolster containinga locating pressure to support said bolster and trame assembly and toreduce the transmission of impact loading to a foundation, and meansincluding said stationary piston defining a positioning pressure chambercontaining a gas under a positioning pressure normally urging thebolster downwardly, whereby the gas in the positioning pressure chamberis compressed upon said movement of the bolster toward the ram andexpands thereafter to ur-ge the bolster means toward its normalposition.

i9. An impacting machine comprising telescoping first and secondcylinders, means cooperating with the telescopio-g cylinders to deiinean expansible actuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the iirstcylinder, a bolster, a iframe structure including guide rodsinterconnecting the bolster and the end of the second cylinder oppositefrom the ram to provide an integral bolster and frame assembly, the rambeing slidable on said guide rods, means supporting said bolster andframe assembly for vertical movement relative to a foundation, powerdriven endless belt means carried by the bolster, hook means carried bythe endless belt means t0 engage the ram and exert force thereon in adirection to compress gas within said actuating pressure chamber toprovide an actuating pressure, the force of the hook means on the rambeing reacted on the bolster, whereby the rarn is moved relative to thebolster for said compression, said hook means coacting with the ram torelease the ram rapidly and automatically after said compression for anoutput stroke against an object to be formed, the length of the ramoutput stroke being governed by the positionting of the endless beltmeans on the bolster, the bolster moving toward the ram means inreaction to said ram output stroke, whereby an object is impactedbetween the ram and the bolster, means including a stationary pistondeiining a locating pressure chamber below the bolster containing alocating pressure to support said .bolster and frame assembly and toreduce the transmission of impact loading to a foundation, and meansincluding said stationary piston dening a positioning pressure chambercontaining a gas under a positioning pressure normally urging thebolster downwardly, whereby the gas in the positioning pressure chamberis compressed upon said movement of the bolster toward the ram andexpands thereafter to urge the bolster means toward its normal position.

20. An impacting machine comprising telescoping first and secondcylinders, means cooperating with the telescoping cylinders to define anexpansible actuating pressure chamber, a ram connected to the firstcylinder, a bolster, a frame structure including guide rodsinterconnecting the bolster and the end of the second cylinder oppositefrom the ram to provide an integral bolster and fra-me assembly, theram` being slidabl-e on the guide rods, means supporting said bolsterand frame assembly for vertical movement relative to a foundation, powerdriven endless belt means carried by the bolster, hook means carried bythe endless belt means to engage the ram and exert Aforce thereon in adirection to compress gas within said actuating pressure chamber toprovide an actuating pressure, the force of the hook means on the rambeing reacted on the bolster, whereby the ram is moved relative to thebolster for said compression, said hook means coacting with the ram torelease the ram rapidly and automatically after said compression for anoutput stroke against `an Object to be formed, the length of the ramoutput stroke being governed by the positioning of the endless beltmeans on the bolster, the bolster moving toward the ram means inreaction to said ram output stroke, whereby 15 an object is impactedbetween the rain and the bolster, means including a stationary pistondeiining a locating pressure chamber below the bolster containing alocating pressure to support said bolster and frame assembly and toreduce the transmission of impact loading to a foundation, and meansincluding said stationary piston defining a positioning pressure chambercontaining a gas under a positioning pressure normally urging thebolster downwardly, whereby the gas in the positioning pressure chamberis compressed upon said movement of the bolster means toward the ram,the bolster being moved in a direction away from the ram by said impactand by expansion of said compressed gas in the positioning pressurechamber, and stationary ejection means extending through the bolster toeject the formed workpiece upon said bolster movement away from the ram.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS1,552,326 Lunati Sept. 1, 1925 1,633,970 Ball June 28, 1927 1,957,021Schneider May 1, 1934 2,117,575 Saives Nay 17, 1938 2,450,189 EmanuelSept. 28, 1948 3,010,665 Smith NOV. 28, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 815,135Germany Sept. 27, 1951

1. A FORMING MACHINE COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND TELESCOPING CYLINDERS,MEANS COOPERATING WITH THE TELESCOPING CYLINDERS TO DEFINE AN EXPANSIBLEACTUATING PRESSURE CHAMBER, A RAM CONNECTED TO THE FIRST CYLINDER, ABOLSTER CONNECTED WITH THE SECOND CYLINDER, THE RAM AND THE BOLSTERBEING MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER, MEANS SUPPORTING SAIDBOLSTER ON A FOUNDATION FOR VERTICAL MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO, MEANSFOR MOVING THE TELESCOPING CYLINDERS RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER TO COMPRESSA GAS IN THE ACTUATING PRESSURE CHAMBER TO PROVIDE AN ACTUATINGPRESSURE, AND TRIGGERING MEANS FOR RAPIDLY RELEASING THE CYLINDERS FORRELATIVE MOVEMENT UNDER THE ACTION OF THE ACTUATING PRESSURE, WHEREBYTHE RAM AND THE BOLSTER MOVE TOWARD EACH OTHER TO IMPACT AN OBJECTTHEREBETWEEN.